{ inspiration }

Tulip fields in the Netherlands!

via swissmiss

{ pierre hermé macarons }

Pierre Hermé has recently published a book, "Macaron," which details the high maintenance recipes behind his confections. I have never experienced his treats - I italicize it since the blogs I've read make a big deal about his work - but my tentative trip to Tokyo in late March opens up the possibility to enjoy his seriously delicious snacks!

via Wallpaper*

{ new pepsi brand identity }

My immediate response upon seeing the new Pepsi identity was a nice hearty "WTF?"

My second response was, "Wow, those bottles really look like penises."

Ahem. It isn't that I don't enjoy the new typeface - I actually think it is quite pleasant and rather feminine. I just feel that it has lost the "timelessness" of their previous logo. I think that this new typeface will have to be altered more immediately in the future, as it has a more "trendy" design.

I am really unhappy with the new circle mark. I am bothered by the inconsistency. Also, their new "wavy e" would have complimented their previous circle mark more appropriately.

I decided not to mention the new Mountain Dew and Sierra Mist logos, but you can check them out here. What do you think of the new identity?

via Brand New

{ installations by tara donovan }

This Styrofoam cup installation is from 2003, but recently The Cool Hunter posted an article regarding Tara Donovan's sculptural work. She has the ability to create organic bodies from man made objects, creating a new perspective on masking tape, Styrofoam cups and drinking straws.

In late September, she was made a Fellow of the John D. and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, and one of 25 recipients to a $500,000 “genius” grant. Others include a physician, an astrophysicist, a violinist, a computer scientist and representatives of many other endeavours who were selected for their creativity, originality and potential to make important contributions in the future.

via The Cool Hunter

{ treehouse 28 }

Now I'm not one for ruffles - or fashion for that matter - but damn.

This stunning apparel by Treehouse 28 on Etsy makes me rethink my old Converse and five dollar H&M tee. Best of all, you can totally customize the outfit to your specific measurements and color preferences.

via OrangeBeautiful

{ scrapile }

SCRAPILE is the collaborative work of designers Bart Bettencourt and Carlos Salgado. Seeking to create a possitive environmental impact with their work, these two have developed a unique method of collecting and repurposing discarded scraps of wood from New York's woodworking industry.

{ knit ceramics by alyssa ettinger }

Quaint knitware-inspired porcelain ceramics by Alyssa Ettinger. Swoon!

via the style files

{ circle by richard sarson }

Check out this beautiful process video of the above work by graphic artist Richard Sarson, and even more of his meticulous, yet elegant work here.

via It's Nice That

{ middle humidifier }

As a product designer, I get really ecstatic over products that transition smoothly between form and function. I also think it is unfortunately rare for this to succeed in the client-driven design field, but I'll not get into that...

The teardrop-shaped Middle Humidifier, designed by Takashi Hiroshi Tsuboi, can produce moisture for up to ten consecutive hours and boasts a relatively small footprint. It would camouflage itself nicely amongst my Ikea home decor, to say the least!

via Cool Hunting

{ bansky's village petstore and charcoal grill }

Check out this disturbing - and astounding - installation by British street artist Bansky. I would love to know more about the technique and the technology involved in making this incredible work!

Filmmaker Seth Brau was commissioned by NOTCOT to capture a video experience of the space for those of us unable to visit in person - and with better quality than the homemade videos floating around the internet!

NOTCOT: Banksy's Village Petstore & Charcoal Grill from Jean Aw on Vimeo.

via sub studio

{ 2modern collection }

2modern has released a new collection of wall canvases, acrylic panels and tables that use their seven orange and blue designs. I am drawn to the overlapping colours and the new patterns that the mixed colours create.

via 2modern

{ nikon small world }

Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. For over 30 years, Nikon has rewarded the world's best photomicrographers who make critically important scientific contributions to life sciences, bio-research and materials science.

Check out over 115 winning submissions for 2008, as well as submissions dating back to 1977, here!

Above
Michael Stringer "Pleurosigma (marine diatoms) "
Karl Deckart "Ammonium oxalate crystal"
Charles Krebs "Wing scales of Urania riphaeus (Sunset moth)"
Jose Almodovar "Wood cross section"
Paul Marshall "Carbon nanotubes, post growth"

via bioephemera and Nikon

{ leafy pumpkins by my home ideas }

The most beautiful pumpkins in the world!

Check out the "how to" here at My Home Ideas.

via Apartment Therapy

{ renovated french farmhouse }

I am overstimulated in the most wonderful way by this medieval farmhouse in Périgord (now Dordogne), France.

The rustic textures emanate pastoral charm in the beamed ceilings, stone floors, original walls and medieval doors. Their modern additions - furniture, artwork - blend smoothly into the design, despite the obvious period differences.

via the style files

{ ashes and milk }

Ashes and Milk is an online gallery space founded on the principle that a lot can be created from very little. The inquisitive website showcases intimately crafted works by various artists. They state:

"We are driven by modern ideas with a reverence for traditional methods and believe that the things we bring into our homes should have a soul and a sense of history."

via Design*Sponge

{ kyotofu nyc }

If you have not yet experienced Kyotofu in NYC, I highly recommend it both for the aesthetics and the tasty treats. Justin and I shared a pleasant pot of tea and some delectable late-night snacks at this modern Japanese dessert bar on spring holiday back in 2007.

They offer organic, healthful ingredients transformed into warm miso chocolate cake, matcha green tea cupcakes and okara tea cookies, just to name a few desserts!

{ orangebeautiful 2009 calendar }

This creative little 5" x 9.5" calendar is printed entirely by hand on two GOCCO printers. The best part? The bottom and top edges are perforated so that you can separate the middle section and use it for wall art, post cards, or other home decor!

Available for pre-order through their Etsy shop here.
Sold out!
Available again here!

via OrangeBeautiful

{ urban elephants }

The Ringing Brothers Circus is in town, and thanks to our city's urban planning - who thought to consider elephants? - the only way to get the elephants from the circus train to the arena is to parade them down East 9th.

Luckily, I work downtown and I followed the majestic beasts over half a mile from the lake to the arena. Much cooler than blogging on my lunch break - sorry!

<3

{ nightwood }

Brooklyn-based Nightwood specializes in making the old, new and bringing new life into your space with an earth friendly hand.

They offer cost effective sensibility through repurposing and reconstruction of items in your home as well as custom-made furniture and textiles. Yum.

via swissmiss

{ ITO EN loose leaf tea }

This stylish set of prepackaged Ito En tea tins was designed by Michael McDevitt of Gooder Companies. I love how the monochromatic background stripes are pleasantly interrupted by a bold hit of color, used to highlight the specific tea's number.

via The Dieline

{ force of gravity by kristin nordhøy }

Check out this sinuous exhibit, Force of Gravity, by Norwegian artist Kristin Nordhøy - it is constructed entirely of masking tape!

via designboom

{ link <3 orangebeautiful }

Thanks!

The wonderful Emily at OrangeBeautiful has added me to her favourites! Both Emily and Laura, the contributors to the OrangeBeautiful blog are fellow Ohio natives!

XOXO.

{ inspiration }

I found this image under a search for "antlers" in Google. Delightful!

{ seastone works by mitsuru koga }

Breathtaking stone work by Japanese artist Mitsuru Koga. Koga describes his work as an attempt to "create an intermediate bridge between nature and human beings."

In viewing his delicately refined work, it is not difficult to visualize the tender relationship between the sculptor and the stone. I love the stones personified with little legs!

On view in Venice, California at Tortoise until November 2nd.

via Apartment Therapy

{ studio violet }

Studio Violet is a lovely collaboration between Camilla Engman (swoon!) and Elisabeth Dunker(new swoon!). Their work is soft, delicate and alluring - and now available in new line of paper products such as posters, journals and postcards.

via Design*Sponge

{ photography by grady o'connor }

Quiet photography by Grady O'Connor.

via It's Nice That

{ stem tree coat stand }

Stem is a maple coat stand that is customizable with colour or stain. Simple and elegant, but not worth my hard-earned $945... However, I appreciate that it was designed to fit in a standard mailing tube!

via swissmiss

{ link <3 grassrootsmodern }

Yay!

I have my very first link love - That I know of, anyway! Thank you, GrassrootsModern for your adoration! It really takes very little to please me.

If you are a regular reader with an art or design related blog, feel free to leave a comment and we can discuss link-loving-it-up.

{ creature feature at black lark gallery }

Creature Feature is a plush show of signature designer creations from all over the world, on display at the Black Lark Gallery in East Sussex. Some of the plush cuties are available at the Black Lark Gallery Shop.

{ sttt table by stephanie van keijsteren }

The Sttt Table by Stephanie van Keijsteren captures the jagged interruption of Stephanies's stuttering during conversation through her woven lines and playful title.

via bloesem

{ radici uk }

I came across Radici the other day, and they carry many "beautiful things" as their tag lines truthfully states!

Above, clockwise from top left: Lavender Bod Keyrings, Green Flower Brooch, Morris Flower Perspex Cuff, and Snow Scarf (soo cool!)

{ hairy alphabet by craig ward }

Hairy Alphabet by Craig Ward.

Check out more delightful alphabets at 22 of the World's Most Creative Alphabets. It is a shame that the world's most creative alphabets are only the English alphabet!

via swissmiss

{ brushwood rug by dima loginoff }

I am swooning over this Brushwood Rug by Dima Longinoff, made of cut and hand sewn felted leaves. It reminds me of the stunning three-dimensional rugs produced by Nani Marquina.



via cribcandy

{ replex table by oormerk }

Created from old furniture, the Replex Table by Oormerk celebrates the imperfections of old and repurposed materials. They will be exhibiting as part of the ‘talent’ exhibit at Designhuis during Dutch Design Week.

via designboom

{ bedside table at contor design }

I was reminded of this product this weekend after Justin demolished a bottle of Vitamin Water, knocking it off the bedside table and soaking his external hard drive and cellphone. The Bedside Table would look fabulous hanging on our Ikea Malm bed!

via swissmiss

{ hang chair by marc graells ballve }

The design of the Hang Chair by Marc Graells Ballve is clean-lined and simple, extending the metal framework away from the body of the chair in order to hang personal belongings without wrinkling or bulk.

This is an excellent idea for hospitality environments, where a guest would want their personal effects close but without the annoyance of jackets and purses crowding them.

via designspotter

{ things that keep me awake in NYC }

Things That Keep Me Awake In New York City by Greg Hathaway
(click for larger view)

And yet, I still want to live there.

via swissmiss

{ balloon creatures by jason hackenwerth }

Jason Hackenwerth, an MFA graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design, creates delightful creatures from balloons that put even the most talented birthday clowns to shame.

I am especially fond of the rampant line of larvae in the gallery!

via Design Milk

{ 2009 letterpress calendar by delphine }

Beautifully detailed 2009 Letterpress Calendar by Delphine Press. Letterpressed with eco-friendly, soy-based inks on thick and luxurious 100% cotton paper.

via Apartment Therapy

{ becky's apartment from AT }

As many of you know, Apartment Therapy is having their Fourth Annual Fall Colors Contest. Above are two shots from Becky's prewar apartment in NYC. I never thought I would love mustard - the color - in the bathroom!

via Apartment Therapy

{ nest house by gerard moline }

Nest House, designed by Gerard Moline for Droog, adapted the nesting habits of birds into a temporary installation for humans. Using resources supplied by nature - twigs and leaves - you can create a whimsical observation point or transient sleeping space. Nice!

via pan-dan

{ birch tree organic bedding by pb }

Unfortunately, autumn isn't making a big deal about itself this year in Cleveland. Golds and fiery reds are being replaced by desaturated mustards and browns. Thus, an email from Pottery Barn made me giddy for wintry decor!

Birch Tree Organic Duvet Cover and Sham, $29-139 at Pottery Barn

{ working late }

I am not sure if anyone noticed - as in, does anyone read my blog? - but I had to work late Monday so blogging was put on hold.

Look what has taken over Target's Halloween graphics - Domokuns! I am not exactly sure how I feel about this Japanese character being manhandled in current pop culture in the U.S., but I am happy that I bought my own Domokun a few years back before the mad rush and what I feel is a degradation in the manufacturing quality of many of the toys (at least in the U.S.).

{ lil by ashley goldberg }

Suckers!

I got the last one of Ashley Goldberg's Lil print, a limited edition colorway.

Or at least I thought I did, since when it was purchased it said only one in stock... but now more are back in the shop. WTF? I wanted to gloat.

{ expandOS packaging material }

Lookit this inventive packing material!

"ExpandOS were specifically designed to adhere to the laws of physics by utilizing all three sides…all six corners and all thirty-eight fingers! Their original form is a flat sheet that is "activated" [expanded in a machine]. Each energized ExpandOS defines and organizes itself and its neighbors within the space around it to provide the most energy-diverting and intelligent packaging solution today."

via Apartment Therapy

{ christopher doyle identity guidelines }

Christopher Doyle recently submitted this humorous self-identity guide to an Australian design competition. He decided to create a set of guidelines for himself as he began wondering ‘how my personal identity would be documented if it were considered in graphic design terms.'

The piece includes guidelines to personal nuances like personal space (clearance), colour palette (attire) and incorrect uses.

via swissmiss

{ english language by michael ciancio }

Word.

English Language Poster by Michael Ciancio

via I Love Typography

{ photography by magdalena bors }

Magdalena Bors stages surrealistic landscapes using common objects and cropped human figures. Check out more of her work here.

designboom

{ branch }

Hello, Branch! I just discovered this sustainable design store.

{ skully carpet tiles by flor }

Just in time for trick-or-treaters, FLOR introduces a Halloween-inspired style and area rug that will add the right "spook factor" to your home - Skully! It also comes as an area rug (shown above), called Funny Bones, that has a black and white border.

{ decarus furniture }

Decarus refines old, mature wood into elegant, minimal forms. Love!

via swissmiss

{ floral trends by laura dowling }

My favourite blog wedding blog,Style Me Pretty, recently interviewed floral expert Laura Dowling of Interieurs et Fleurs regarding Parisian floral trends.

This year, Parisian floral trends include fruit and vegetables, garden elements such as vines and branches, and haute couture arrangements based on colors and trends from the Parisian fashion runways. You can read the interviews here, here and here.

via Style Me Pretty

{ visualizing the bible }

Visualizing the Bible is a collaboration between Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild. Chris Harrison's work is research heavy and visually alluring. View more of his captivating work here.

Above:
The bar graph that runs along the bottom represents all of the chapters in the Bible. Books alternate in color between white and light gray. The length of each bar denotes the number of verses in the chapter. Each of the 63,779 cross references found in the Bible is depicted by a single arc - the color corresponds to the distance between the two chapters, creating a rainbow-like effect.

via Sub Studio Design Blog